2015/04: Should alcohol be served at fast food outlets like KFC?





Introduction to the media issue

Video clip at right:
On January 4, 2015, Channel 7 News ran a report on KFC's application for a liquor licence for its new store in Parramatta. If you cannot see this clip, it will be because video is blocked by your network. To view the clip, access from home or from a public library, or from another network which allows viewing of video clips.


What they said...
'This is a product that is massively marketed to kids and to families and the last thing we need is kids associating a child-friendly brand with alcohol'
Mike Daube, Professor of Health Policy at Curtin University

'To better cater for our customers aged 25 plus, we have developed a new store concept which has a menu to reflect the market. It will not be serving our family meals, children's meals or snacking products'
KFC spokesperson

The issue at a glance
In February, 2015, KFC opened a new concept eatery in Church Street, Parramatta. The store serves a blend of KFC standards and a variety of other offerings, including seasoned rice, corn salsa and red quinoa.
Customs are able to build their own meals by ordering a chosen combination of available ingredients. It has been claimed that the aim is to emulate fast-casual franchises such as Grill'd, Mad Mex, and Guzman y Gomez.
What has attracted controversy is that the outlet has applied for a liquor licence. If granted a licence, the eatery will serve its meals with beers such as Fat Yak, Peroni, Carlton Dry and Cascade Light. Bulmers cider will also be for sale.
This proposal has provoked significant criticism, with some health authorities claim that the linking of KFC with alcohol will encourage alcohol consumption among teens and normalise drinking for children. They have argued that the liquor licence should not be granted.